Zen Travel
Zen Travel
4.5
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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About
Would you rather spend your vacation in an apartment or explore beautiful Croatian islands ? - me too ! We offer speed boat tours from Split, Trogir and Kaštela. DAY TOURS / PRIVATE TOURS / BOAT CHARTER MOST POPULAR : Blue Cave & 5 islands tour : Blue Cave Tour is an all-day boat tour featuring several high ranking touristic locations in Croatia. The tour departures every day in Split, Trogir and Kaštela and will take you for a spin through preserved architecture, untouched natural masterpieces, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant local life. DESTINATIONS : Blue Cave (Bisevo island) - Stiniva beach (Vis island) - Blue Lagoon - Paklinski islands - Hvar island.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
115 reviews
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7
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12
Rob H
Chester, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Had a great trip today with Ivan & Ivan. It’s a full day but a memorable experience in a positive way. The Blue Cave is magical and definitely worth it. You don’t get a very long time inside but you get enough time and that’s what matters. Bear in mind lots of people visit!
The beaches were cool and the water so clean, clear and warm. Hvar was definitely worth a visit and we had time to climb up to the fort for the amazing views, ogle the yachts in the harbour, chill out in a shady spot with a cold drink and that was without rushing at all.
It was a hot day but when you are flying along, with the wind in your hair, it takes the edge off the heat and it was comfortable in trunks and t-shirt.
If you like to travel in comfort and take it easy maybe this isn’t the type of boat for you. But all our family enjoyed it from youngest (8) to oldest (48).
I’d say avoid if you have a bad back but we had a great time and pretty sure the other passengers did too.
Thanks guys.
The beaches were cool and the water so clean, clear and warm. Hvar was definitely worth a visit and we had time to climb up to the fort for the amazing views, ogle the yachts in the harbour, chill out in a shady spot with a cold drink and that was without rushing at all.
It was a hot day but when you are flying along, with the wind in your hair, it takes the edge off the heat and it was comfortable in trunks and t-shirt.
If you like to travel in comfort and take it easy maybe this isn’t the type of boat for you. But all our family enjoyed it from youngest (8) to oldest (48).
I’d say avoid if you have a bad back but we had a great time and pretty sure the other passengers did too.
Thanks guys.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmin P
Velbert, Germany13 contributions
Unfotunately we had very bad weather so we couldn't see the targets presented in the advertisement of the tour. The Blue Cave was closed and because of the high waves and strong wind we weren't able to drive the route to stiniva bay and so on.
But our amazing guide Ivan tried to do his best to show us some really nice places instead of the planed one.
We finally arrived in Hvar (only planed place of the tour we could visit) which is called "sunny Hvar" and it was raining cats and dogs...
After rain and thunderbolt we wanted back to Split but the waves were to high to drive with the speedboat, so our guides were really nice and wanted us to keep safe so we waited for the waves to get lower, after maybe one more hour we could drive home.
The tour as what it is ist cool, our guide Ivan was really nice, and with the boat everything was fine. We were unlucky with the weather but that's of course not their fault.
On fact that on their webside they say "100% money back in case of bad weather" we wrote an E-Mail and get the money easily back.
But our amazing guide Ivan tried to do his best to show us some really nice places instead of the planed one.
We finally arrived in Hvar (only planed place of the tour we could visit) which is called "sunny Hvar" and it was raining cats and dogs...
After rain and thunderbolt we wanted back to Split but the waves were to high to drive with the speedboat, so our guides were really nice and wanted us to keep safe so we waited for the waves to get lower, after maybe one more hour we could drive home.
The tour as what it is ist cool, our guide Ivan was really nice, and with the boat everything was fine. We were unlucky with the weather but that's of course not their fault.
On fact that on their webside they say "100% money back in case of bad weather" we wrote an E-Mail and get the money easily back.
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chitown5Chicago
Chicago, IL27 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We took this tour in June and loved it. Ivan and Ivana were great, and shared all kinds of information with us along the way. The original day we booked was stormy and they reached out to us first thing to arrange the trip for the next day. Ivana was waiting for us when we arrived and we took off right on time. The Blue Cave was amazing - even tho it was a little overcast that morning - a beautiful site to see! Snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon was fun - altho there was not a lot of underwater life to see. It was a fantastic beach to spend some time at and the water felt great on a very hot day - no better place to be! The island stop before Hvar was a very cool place and we had a relaxing drink with an amazing view. Hvar was as beautiful as we had read about and we had a fab lunch in town. The boat was comfortable and our group was lively and fun - thanks to Ivan and Ivana :) p.s. we selected Zen Travel because some friends took the tour earlier in the week and also had a great experience. Don't miss this 5 island tour - an amazing day on the water experiencing the beautiful islands around Split.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassie A
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
I really hate leaving bad reviews, but I feel others should be informed about what they’re paying for when taking a tour with this company and decide for yourself if you feel it’s right for you.
My boyfriend and I took the “5 island tour” with this company in mid September. Now I understand this is towards the tail end of the season and the weather is not always ideal at this time- perfectly fine. A few days before the tour, I had emailed the company about going out a different day (as the weather appeared to be better). They assured me the weather was OK the day of our tour and they would update me of there were any changes.
The morning of the tour, we met the guides at the location and were lead to the boat. The boat is a RIB boat (not exactly what I was picturing when advertised as a “speed boat”) with 8 individual seats and one seat that is roughly large enough for 3 people in the back. This was not the set up I anticipated and we felt the boat was extremely crowded. In my opinion no more than 10 guests should be taken on this boat at a time- as the people in the back were extremely crammed. However, we proceeded with the tour and began driving to the blue cave. Our captains made NO mention of heavy winds, rough waters OR the Blue Cave closure prior to our departure. Had we known how horrible the ride would be- we would have asked for a refund PRIOR to departing on the tour.
We drove 1.5 hours to the blue cave only to be told that it was closed due to rough waters and high winds. We understand that this is a safety issue and we of course did not want to visit the cave in unsafe conditions- HOWEVER we should have been notified of this before we left for the tour and we should have been offered a reschedule date OR a refund. This is specifically stated on their website that if the Blue Cave is CLOSED you will be offered a reschedule date or a refund.
Nonetheless, we continued on with the tour. We visited the island of Vis (which was nice). And hopped back on the boat. This time- my boyfriend and I- along with 3 other people were sitting in the BACK of the boat. The captains then stated that the wind was pretty bad and the waves “may be a little rough” to our next destination. They proceeded to drive us 30 min through extremely rough waters only to tell us that we could not get off at this destination and we would need to turn around and drive an additional 30 min to Carpe Diem beach/Hvar. It was so rough that the entire boat was slamming down over the waves and we were bracing for the impact! My boyfriend and myself both had large bruises on our backs for multiple days after this tour! We drove around for almost 1 hour in 2-3 meter waves! It was truly miserable and extremely uncomfortable- all while the “guides” laughed.
Once we reached Hvar, we decided we’d had enough. Both my boyfriend and myself and another girl on the tour decided to take the ferry back to Split and skip the rest of the tour. It was overall a miserable experience.
In addition to this mess- the guides offered no insight into any places we were going and barely spoke to anyone. Also NO water was provided (as the website states) or any snorkeling equipment.
Frankly, we should have NEVER went out on the tour. The company knew that morning that the weather was poor and sea conditions were not conducive to a tour. At minimum we should have been informed of this before we left and given the option of a refund! Unfortunately, it was the end of the season and I think they wanted to squeeze a few more dollars out of everyone.
Oh and they refused us a refund- despite their website SPECIFICALLY stating they would give a full refund if the Blue Cave is closed. We rented a boat in Dubrovnik with another company and had an AMAZING day and they even told us that it was ridiculous that our boat went out due to weather conditions on the day of the tour.
I can’t say you will have the same experience if you take this tour, but I’ll let you decide for yourself if you think it’s worth the risk.
My boyfriend and I took the “5 island tour” with this company in mid September. Now I understand this is towards the tail end of the season and the weather is not always ideal at this time- perfectly fine. A few days before the tour, I had emailed the company about going out a different day (as the weather appeared to be better). They assured me the weather was OK the day of our tour and they would update me of there were any changes.
The morning of the tour, we met the guides at the location and were lead to the boat. The boat is a RIB boat (not exactly what I was picturing when advertised as a “speed boat”) with 8 individual seats and one seat that is roughly large enough for 3 people in the back. This was not the set up I anticipated and we felt the boat was extremely crowded. In my opinion no more than 10 guests should be taken on this boat at a time- as the people in the back were extremely crammed. However, we proceeded with the tour and began driving to the blue cave. Our captains made NO mention of heavy winds, rough waters OR the Blue Cave closure prior to our departure. Had we known how horrible the ride would be- we would have asked for a refund PRIOR to departing on the tour.
We drove 1.5 hours to the blue cave only to be told that it was closed due to rough waters and high winds. We understand that this is a safety issue and we of course did not want to visit the cave in unsafe conditions- HOWEVER we should have been notified of this before we left for the tour and we should have been offered a reschedule date OR a refund. This is specifically stated on their website that if the Blue Cave is CLOSED you will be offered a reschedule date or a refund.
Nonetheless, we continued on with the tour. We visited the island of Vis (which was nice). And hopped back on the boat. This time- my boyfriend and I- along with 3 other people were sitting in the BACK of the boat. The captains then stated that the wind was pretty bad and the waves “may be a little rough” to our next destination. They proceeded to drive us 30 min through extremely rough waters only to tell us that we could not get off at this destination and we would need to turn around and drive an additional 30 min to Carpe Diem beach/Hvar. It was so rough that the entire boat was slamming down over the waves and we were bracing for the impact! My boyfriend and myself both had large bruises on our backs for multiple days after this tour! We drove around for almost 1 hour in 2-3 meter waves! It was truly miserable and extremely uncomfortable- all while the “guides” laughed.
Once we reached Hvar, we decided we’d had enough. Both my boyfriend and myself and another girl on the tour decided to take the ferry back to Split and skip the rest of the tour. It was overall a miserable experience.
In addition to this mess- the guides offered no insight into any places we were going and barely spoke to anyone. Also NO water was provided (as the website states) or any snorkeling equipment.
Frankly, we should have NEVER went out on the tour. The company knew that morning that the weather was poor and sea conditions were not conducive to a tour. At minimum we should have been informed of this before we left and given the option of a refund! Unfortunately, it was the end of the season and I think they wanted to squeeze a few more dollars out of everyone.
Oh and they refused us a refund- despite their website SPECIFICALLY stating they would give a full refund if the Blue Cave is closed. We rented a boat in Dubrovnik with another company and had an AMAZING day and they even told us that it was ridiculous that our boat went out due to weather conditions on the day of the tour.
I can’t say you will have the same experience if you take this tour, but I’ll let you decide for yourself if you think it’s worth the risk.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karina joann H
2 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Massive thankyou to Dino and Dominic for our tour yesterday! I honestly think this trip is WELL worth the money; it’s a full day of incredible things and places that you can’t access any other way, honestly I think the price is really reasonable!
We arrived at the pick up location and were greeted on time. They even sent me a reminder the day before, with a photo of the meeting point so it was really easy to know exactly where to meet. From here we all were taken as a group round the marina to the boat (maybe 2 mins walk). Our group was split into two (as there were two groups) and we were with Dino and Dominic. The boat was a bit different to expected - it was a small-ish speedboat where you sat in two lines one behind the other, straddling a bench and holding on to the handles of the chair in front. The water was really bumpy which we found so so fun, as we were bouncing all over, but I would say if you don’t like bouncy water or aren’t able to straddle a seat holding on to handles for an hour and a half at a time it maybe won’t be good for you. We however loved it, and while it wasn’t what expected I actually am so happy with the journeys - the transfers ended up being one of the highlights for us.
The first transfer is to the caves and took about an hour and 40. While we waited for our turn in the blue caves, we were shown another small cave in the boat. Then we got off the boat, had about 30 minutes to walk around the island (there wasn’t loads to see but it was very beautiful). Here were toilets and a bar but we just wandered around and took photos of the views.
The actual blue cave section of the tour is run by the tour guides on the island (rather than those who take you). It was amazing!
Then we got back on the speedboat and went to the next stop; a lovely small island where our tour guides told us the best place to eat lunch if wanted. We had about an hour here. Again there wasn’t loads to do here - just wander round and take in the views. There’s a beach here too so if you’re quick enough you could swim (we weren’t).
We then got back on the boat and we were shown a beach round the corner, as it was voted best beach in Europe, however we didn’t get off the boat as the blue lagoon (next stop) would be better for swimming, as we were told.
We then went on to the blue lagoon - which is really just a beach with clear water (I didn’t know what a lagoon was so if you’re wondering it’s a beach). Here we were given the option of having snorkels which we did, and we had about an hour and 10 to go swimming. It was really cool as the water was so clear.
From here we went on to hvar, where we had two hours. Again the tour guides pointed out two good restaurants if we wanted to eat. We didn’t want to so we went up to the fortress/castle as recommended by Dominic. It was a bit of a mission getting up as it’s loads of steps then a windy road, but I really recommend as the views (as Dominic said) were beautiful. You could either take photos from the top of the path, or pay 50 kuna each to get inside the castle - we opted to pay as this meant you were higher and above the trees so the view was a bit better. We had a bit of a wander, and then it was time to head home.
The ride home was incredible as Dino was really going for it bouncing over the waves; he used the trails of other boats which left big waves to have us bouncing up out of the water - it was really really fun and the ride home went by so quickly because of it.
Every boat ride we were offered jackets if we wanted as of course it was windy, and always also offered bottled water from a cooler which was lovely. Top tip; definitely bring sun glasses as you’ll need them to protect from the wind on the transfers.
I couldn’t recommend them enough and again massive thankyou to our guides Dino and Dominic!!!
We arrived at the pick up location and were greeted on time. They even sent me a reminder the day before, with a photo of the meeting point so it was really easy to know exactly where to meet. From here we all were taken as a group round the marina to the boat (maybe 2 mins walk). Our group was split into two (as there were two groups) and we were with Dino and Dominic. The boat was a bit different to expected - it was a small-ish speedboat where you sat in two lines one behind the other, straddling a bench and holding on to the handles of the chair in front. The water was really bumpy which we found so so fun, as we were bouncing all over, but I would say if you don’t like bouncy water or aren’t able to straddle a seat holding on to handles for an hour and a half at a time it maybe won’t be good for you. We however loved it, and while it wasn’t what expected I actually am so happy with the journeys - the transfers ended up being one of the highlights for us.
The first transfer is to the caves and took about an hour and 40. While we waited for our turn in the blue caves, we were shown another small cave in the boat. Then we got off the boat, had about 30 minutes to walk around the island (there wasn’t loads to see but it was very beautiful). Here were toilets and a bar but we just wandered around and took photos of the views.
The actual blue cave section of the tour is run by the tour guides on the island (rather than those who take you). It was amazing!
Then we got back on the speedboat and went to the next stop; a lovely small island where our tour guides told us the best place to eat lunch if wanted. We had about an hour here. Again there wasn’t loads to do here - just wander round and take in the views. There’s a beach here too so if you’re quick enough you could swim (we weren’t).
We then got back on the boat and we were shown a beach round the corner, as it was voted best beach in Europe, however we didn’t get off the boat as the blue lagoon (next stop) would be better for swimming, as we were told.
We then went on to the blue lagoon - which is really just a beach with clear water (I didn’t know what a lagoon was so if you’re wondering it’s a beach). Here we were given the option of having snorkels which we did, and we had about an hour and 10 to go swimming. It was really cool as the water was so clear.
From here we went on to hvar, where we had two hours. Again the tour guides pointed out two good restaurants if we wanted to eat. We didn’t want to so we went up to the fortress/castle as recommended by Dominic. It was a bit of a mission getting up as it’s loads of steps then a windy road, but I really recommend as the views (as Dominic said) were beautiful. You could either take photos from the top of the path, or pay 50 kuna each to get inside the castle - we opted to pay as this meant you were higher and above the trees so the view was a bit better. We had a bit of a wander, and then it was time to head home.
The ride home was incredible as Dino was really going for it bouncing over the waves; he used the trails of other boats which left big waves to have us bouncing up out of the water - it was really really fun and the ride home went by so quickly because of it.
Every boat ride we were offered jackets if we wanted as of course it was windy, and always also offered bottled water from a cooler which was lovely. Top tip; definitely bring sun glasses as you’ll need them to protect from the wind on the transfers.
I couldn’t recommend them enough and again massive thankyou to our guides Dino and Dominic!!!
Written July 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Karina,
Thank you so much on detailed review! We are beyond grateful to see a satisfied customer as we strive to provide as best experience as we can, and we are happy to have an amazing team that always gives their best. We truly hope to see you one day again!
Best regards!
Ante T.
Written August 24, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brendan
Canberra, Australia39 contributions
Dino and Petra thank you!
Our entire group had such a great time on our blue cave tour, we couldn't be more happier with the whole adventure.
It is a very big day in the sun so bring lots of sun screen and water, also be prepared to swim because they will take you to some fantastic Croatian swimming spots where the water is crystal clear.
Dino and Petra we appreciate you both taking extra time to show us a beautiful 'private' swimming location. It was a great reward for being a great group 😁
Our entire group had such a great time on our blue cave tour, we couldn't be more happier with the whole adventure.
It is a very big day in the sun so bring lots of sun screen and water, also be prepared to swim because they will take you to some fantastic Croatian swimming spots where the water is crystal clear.
Dino and Petra we appreciate you both taking extra time to show us a beautiful 'private' swimming location. It was a great reward for being a great group 😁
Written June 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
We are supper happy to hear that You had good time! Dino and Petra are making us proud and we are lucky to have them:) Hope to see You again!
Best regards!
Ante T.
Written June 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MumbaiAksheyVadMan
Mumbai, India1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Friends
We went on this tour without too high expectations. We already knew Croatian islands were beautiful but we still wanted to experience them first hand. And we weren't disappointed at all - it was a marvelous day which we thoroughly enjoyed up until the last second!
Written September 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Master Y
1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Friends
Couldn't believe my eyes... Croatia has such beautiful adriatic scenery which left me bedazzled for the most part. Zen Travel cabin crew made sure our stay on the boat is enjoyable even though it was pretty windy that day. Overall, a great experience that I'd gladly recommend to anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Croatian islands.
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Artem M
13 contributions
We had the 5 islands tour with Ivan and Ivana. Overall the tour went well and we had good time, however there is a lot to improve.
Meeting was near the church and not where all boats are meeting passengers. We arrived in time and Ivana was there, but she had nothing that would identified her as Zen travel guide. We were not sure where to meet as we did not receive any confirmation or instructions other than the Tripadvisor voucher. We started getting worried, but finally the boat arrived and we started 30 minuets late.
Although our guides were nice, I expected more engagement and interaction. During about 3 hours on route overall our guides didn’t say much as one was driving and the other did nothing. I’m sure that there are lots of interesting facts about the places we visited and the islands we passed. Pity. Trips like this should be more fun.
I still recommend the tour, because it is ice and the blue cave is really amazing. Check other agencies also. Maybe they do it better.
Meeting was near the church and not where all boats are meeting passengers. We arrived in time and Ivana was there, but she had nothing that would identified her as Zen travel guide. We were not sure where to meet as we did not receive any confirmation or instructions other than the Tripadvisor voucher. We started getting worried, but finally the boat arrived and we started 30 minuets late.
Although our guides were nice, I expected more engagement and interaction. During about 3 hours on route overall our guides didn’t say much as one was driving and the other did nothing. I’m sure that there are lots of interesting facts about the places we visited and the islands we passed. Pity. Trips like this should be more fun.
I still recommend the tour, because it is ice and the blue cave is really amazing. Check other agencies also. Maybe they do it better.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Britta S
4 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I cannot say enough about this tour. Ivan and Ivana, our guides, were wonderful and professional and very informative. They work around the day to make the most of your time, for example there was a wait to go see the blue cave and instead of making us sit and wait we saw another cave while we waited for our number in line. The Blue Lagoon was a nice place to swim and cool off and snorkel, but the bottom is quite rocky making walking to the beach a challenge. This is a great way to spend a day away from Split and enjoy the beautiful Dalmatian Islands.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
This is sumilee
We made a reservation on 2nd Oct that blue cave tour.
But the weather was bad so it was cancelled. You said you refund me but not cancelled yet.
We was made a reservation at your internet site we already paid on 13 th Aug.
Please refund our blue cave tour fee and answer please. thanks.
Written October 25, 2018
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